Omnidirectional spin-to-charge conversion in graphene/NbSe$_2$ van der Waals heterostructures

TL;DR

This study demonstrates omnidirectional spin-to-charge conversion in graphene/NbSe2 heterostructures, enabling versatile spintronic device architectures by converting spins in all three spatial directions.

Contribution

It reveals efficient spin-to-charge conversion for spins in all directions in twisted graphene/NbSe2 heterostructures, highlighting the role of interface symmetry and spin-orbit proximity.

Findings

Spin-to-charge conversion occurs for spins in x, y, and z directions.

Conversion efficiency depends on temperature and interface symmetry.

Potential for new spintronic device architectures using this omnidirectional SCC.

Abstract

The conversion of spin currents polarized in different directions into charge currents is a keystone for novel spintronic devices. Van der Waals heterostructures with tailored symmetry are a very appealing platform for such a goal. Here, by performing nonlocal spin precession experiments, we demonstrate the spin-to-charge conversion (SCC) of spins oriented in all three directions (x, y, and z). By analyzing the magnitude and temperature dependence of the signal in different configurations, we argue that the different SCC components measured are likely due to spin-orbit proximity and broken symmetry at the twisted graphene/NbSe$_2$ interface. Such efficient omnidirectional SCC opens the door to the use of new architectures in spintronic devices, from spin-orbit torques that can switch any magnetization to the magnetic state readout of magnetic elements pointing in any direction.